A CANOE club's quest to build a new home after a three-year search has one last hurdle to overcome.

Kingfisher Canoe Club is currently fundraising for £30,000 to cover the cost of constructing a combined storage hut and changing facility at Abingdon Lock island.

While the group has the cash to start the project, which was approved by Vale of White Horse District Council in August, it needs help to reach the full total.

The club's Justgiving page states: "After a three-year search looking at sites along both banks of the Abingdon stretch of the River Thames we have finally located and had planning permission granted to build a timber frame canoe storage and changing facilities for the club on Abingdon Lock Island.

"With this hurdle completed we are now finalising plans for construction."

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It added: "Although the club has the funds required to start construction we will require additional to complete the works, to this end we are seeking opportunities to apply for grants and asking for individual donations."

The club, and its youth division Pathfinders, which has around 140 members aged from 11 to 70, was forced to leave their Abingdon home of 25 years at Wilsham Road in October 2017 after being given notice of eviction by the Army Rowing Club, with which it had shared the site.

Since then, the club has had operate from temporary sites in order to keep going, including from a transit van.

The Abingdon Lock location is owned by the Environment Agency and it has agreed to lease the land to the club.

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It had been the last chance for the group after an ‘exhaustive’ three-year search looking at 28 possible sites along both banks of the Abingdon stretch of the River Thames.

Kingfisher was supported by more than 120 public comments in favour of the plans, as well as a letter from the chief executive of British Canoeing.

The club, which has been run by volunteers for more than 40 years, received a £1,000 boost towards its goal last week thanks to a donation by housebuilder Persimmon.

It came from the company's Community Champions scheme which sees it each month donate up to £1,000 each to two groups or individuals.

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Tom Noakes, from Kingfisher, said: “Our friendly canoe club has introduced hundreds of people of all ages to paddling, inspiring them to enjoy the great outdoors.

“It has been a stressful few years for us, but we now have planning permission on a new permanent site, next to the river, which can accommodate enough storage, car parking and changing facilities to run the club."

He added: “The new site will enable us to expand our sessions and training opportunities, reaching more people in our community.”

Rachel Faulkner, sales director for Persimmon Homes North London, said the company was 'delighted' to support Kingfisher adding: “The new premise promises to be very positive for not just the club, but the local community.”

To donate to the club search justgiving.com for Kingfisher Canoe Club or visit the group's website kingfishercanoeclub.co.uk.